Guadua and Concrete: The Route of Open-Air Library Parks and Their Hidden Botanical Gardens

Guadua and Concrete: The Route of Open-Air Library Parks and Their Hidden Botanical Gardens

Did you know that in Medellín there is a green revolution that goes beyond the Metrocable and Comuna 13? Since the early 2000s, the Library Parks have established themselves as true oases in working-class neighborhoods, full of life and dignity. But there is a secret few know: many of them are surrounded by hidden botanical gardens, community gardens, and urban forests that don't appear in tourist guides. If you want to discover these spaces full of history and nature, keep reading.

List: 5 Library Parks and Gardens You Must Know

Parque Biblioteca España: The Monumentality That Integrates with the Forest of Comuna 1 (and Its Cactus Garden)

Let's start with the most iconic: Parque Biblioteca España, designed by Giancarlo Mazzanti. This place, with its three black "rocks," sits atop Comuna 1 (Santo Domingo Savio) and impresses not only with its design. Surrounding this beautiful building is a high-mountain botanical garden, home to cacti and succulents that defy logic in a city like Medellín, at 1,600 meters above sea level.

This xerophytic oasis, contrasting with the humid vegetation of the surroundings, was part of the original plan. When you get off the Metrocable, look for the stone path that winds between agaves and echeverias. It's a perfect spot to experience how architecture and nature can coexist. I'll warn you, maintenance has been a challenge, but the view of the Aburrá Valley remains unbeatable.

• Address: Carrera 32 # 36-25, Santo Domingo Savio
• How to get there: Metrocable Line K, Santo Domingo station
• Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9am-6pm (check before going)
• Fun fact: The selected cacti require little water and are perfect for the intense solar radiation on the hillside.
• Insider Tip: Don't forget to bring your camera; the view from here is stunning, especially at sunrise.

Parque Biblioteca Belén: The Green Roof and Its Community Garden That Doesn't Appear in Guides

Now let's head to Parque Biblioteca Belén, located in the southwestern part of the city, also designed by Mazzanti. Its green roof is not just aesthetic; it serves as a botanical garden in itself. But what really stands out here is the community garden in the back, a true hidden treasure.

This garden is a space managed by the neighbors, where they grow vegetables and medicinal plants. If you're lucky enough to meet one of them, ask about their composting system! This interaction is what brings "social architecture" to life, nurtured by the hands of the community. Additionally, the green roof is accessible and offers panoramic views that change with the seasons.

• Address: Calle 34 # 76-20, Belén
• How to get there: Metroplus (Line 2) or bus from El Poblado (20-30 min)
• Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8am-6pm
• Recommendation: Take your time to explore the garden and chat with the neighbors; they are the true guardians of this place.
• Insider Tip: Bring a notebook to jot down gardening tips shared by the locals.

Parque Biblioteca Fernando Botero (San Javier): The Cloud Forest Garden and Views of the River Valley

This park, located in San Javier (Comuna 13), is one of my favorites. Its interior garden recreates a cloud forest, full of ferns, mosses, and bromeliads that thrive in high humidity. Here, the irrigation system simulates cloud condensation, creating a unique microclimate.

The structure, made of concrete and wood (including guadua), integrates perfectly with the slope. From its terrace, the view of the Medellín river valley is spectacular, especially at sunset. This space is a symbol of social transformation in an area that was once tough. Walking through its corridors is a lesson in peace.

• Address: Carrera 103 # 49-100, San Javier
• How to get there: Metrocable Line J, San Javier station
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am-5pm
• Fun fact: The "cloud forest" serves as a living laboratory for biology students at the University of Antioquia.
• Insider Tip: Visit the terrace at sunset to enjoy the light show over the river.

The Secret Garden of UVA de La Esperanza: A Pocket Lung Designed for Rain

UVAs (Unidades de Vida Articulada) are a recent gem of "social architecture" in Medellín. UVA de La Esperanza, in the northeast, stands out for its rain garden designed to capture and filter stormwater.

This garden is a small lung full of species that withstand both floods and droughts. The waters that fall on the UVA's roofs are channeled into this garden, where the plants do their magic. This space is a great example of urban ecological design that deserves to be known. If you're passionate about sustainability, you can't miss it.

• Address: Calle 108 # 42-100, La Esperanza neighborhood
• How to get there: Bus from downtown (40 min) or taxi from Acevedo Metro station
• Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6am-9pm
• Recommendation: Come after heavy rain; you'll see how the filtration system works.
• Insider Tip: Bring a reusable bottle; you can refill it with clean water from the system filtered in the garden.

Guadua, Bahareque, and Concrete: The Materials That Tell the Story of Each Neighborhood

More than a single place, this concept is key to understanding the route. In Antioquia, guadua has been used since colonial times to build homes. Bahareque, a technique that mixes earth with plant fibers and guadua, was essential until the 20th century. And concrete, the favorite of modernity, has become a protagonist.

In Medellín's Library Parks, all three materials coexist. Mazzanti and other local architects chose them for their durability and cultural significance. As you walk, pay attention to the textures, from smooth concrete to curved guadua and bahareque on interior walls. It's a dialogue between elite and popular architecture.

To see guadua in action, visit Parque Biblioteca España and Parque Biblioteca Fernando Botero. If you're interested in learning more, search YouTube for documentaries about the "Escuela de la Guadua" in Guatapé, two hours from Medellín.

Map or How to Get There: How to Connect These Parks in a Single Day Using the Cable System

The route is easy to cover thanks to Medellín's excellent public transportation system. Here's a practical itinerary (start early, this takes time!):

1. 8:00am - Parque Biblioteca España: Take the Metro to Acevedo station (Line A) and transfer to Metrocable Line K to Santo Domingo. Get off and walk to the park. Spend 1.5 hours exploring.
2. 10:30am - UVA de La Esperanza: From Santo Domingo, take a taxi or bus to La Esperanza (15-20 minutes). Visit the garden and the sports area. 1 hour is enough.
3. 12:30pm - Lunch: Return to downtown Medellín (Metrocable + Metro) and have lunch at Mercado de San Alejo or a typical restaurant.
4. 2:30pm - Parque Biblioteca Fernando Botero: Take the Metro to San Javier (Line B) and transfer to Metrocable Line J. Get off and walk to the park. Spend 1.5 hours.
5. 4:30pm - Parque Biblioteca Belén: Return to the Metro, get off at Industriales, and take a bus or taxi to Belén. Visit the garden and the green roof. 1 hour.
6. 6:30pm - Wrap-up: End the day at a café in Belén or return to El Poblado for dinner.

Practical tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes: there are many ups and downs.
• The weather on the hillsides is variable: bring a waterproof jacket.
• Check park hours before you go.
• Avoid showing valuables in crowded areas; use common sense.

Final Recommendation

Medellín is not just flowers and soccer; it's a place where social architecture continues to teach the world. These library parks and their hidden gardens show that design can be a driver of inclusion and hope. Next time you're here, don't limit yourself to Parque Lleras or the Jardín Botánico: venture into the hillsides, explore the neighborhoods, and discover how guadua and concrete narrate the story of a city in transformation.

If you liked this route, tag a design-loving friend. And if you want more social architecture routes in Colombia, subscribe to our monthly newsletter; each edition brings practical guides and local perspectives you won't find elsewhere.

Reference prices from August 2026: public transportation costs around 3,000 COP per trip on Metro/Metrocable. Entry to the library parks is free. Lunch downtown can cost between 15,000 and 25,000 COP.

Numbered List (Minimum 5 Items with Mini-Review)

1. Parque Biblioteca España

   This park, designed by architect Juan S. Ospina, is an icon of contemporary architecture in Medellín. Located in the Santo Domingo Savio neighborhood, it offers stunning views of the city and a rich cultural program. Additionally, its library boasts a large collection of books and digital resources.

   Insider Tip: Don't miss the local art exhibition on the second floor; it's a great opportunity to discover emerging artists from the region.

2. Parque Biblioteca Belén

   Located in one of Medellín's most vibrant sectors, this park is a meeting point for the community. Its design incorporates green spaces and recreational areas, perfect for enjoying a day outdoors.

   Insider Tip: Visit the library on Saturday afternoons to enjoy family activities and storytelling sessions, ideal for